What about empty lots? Should empty lots not be gentrified? For the same of argument let’s say the lot is empty for at least 5 years. OK for a Petsmart or a condo or a Best Buy to open there? What I’d a storefront is similarly vacant for that long?

Um what about all the places that changed from one small business to another? Doesn’t NYC have something like 10,000 bars and restaurants? JCrew is trying to open a small store in my neighborhood, and everyone is FLIPPING out. Maybe it’ll happen, and maybe it won’t. For every new Chipotle there are 3 jewelry stores, 5 bars, and 6 combination salsa studios/hair salons. If a few crapholes have to close for some nice new places — some that are good/some that do not — I’m cool with that. It’s NOT this black and white.

I agree we should prioritize arts funding. I, and many in the industry, were not exactly pleased by the “art history majors” comment a while back. Still, we have no idea exactly where the money came from for this sculpture. Let’s assume a sculpture of some sort was needed. Would you have preferred they shop around for the cheapest camel? I think there was a particular point being made with this one. Also, $400,000 is quite a steep discount. It could potentially be sold in a few years at an extraordinary profit, although I doubt that normally happens. I just don’t think we should demonize John Baldessari. He’s one of America’s greatest living artists whose been practicing for literally decades with numerous exhibitions, museum shows, and other accolades to his name. Would we have the same vitriolic response if, say, Itzhak Perlman headlined a huge concert at an embassy that very realistically could cost $100,000’s to organize? Maybe, but I would wager artist and artworks get unfair criticism because the stigma is that they have no useful purpose. I’m not saying you’re saying that, though.

The tone of this post assumes that there is agreement that spending money on art is inherently frivolous. If you don’t agree with that assertion then there is little to argue with.And yes, this I’d quite a reduced price for this piece.

Ugh, stop talking about the Chinese food takeout thing! A) Those aren’t necessarily used anymore, but more importantly B) how is a weird semi-flat paper plate with cut-outs easier to eat from than a perfectly good box/bowl?

I do not care about sports, but the UNC in me comes out now and then. A couple of things:1) The contemporary explanation for “Tar Heels” — or at least what you’re told at orientation — is that the state’s Civil War era military were so steadfast in holding their ground that it was like they had tar on their heels. Granted, the South lost in the War of Northern Aggression, and slavery’s bad and such.2) I think Tar Heel should get some extra points in that it can refer to ALL INHABITANTS on the state of North Carolina. Yep, that even includes Dukies.3) Technically UNC has two names/mascots. You forgot about out the ram. I realize this about the names, but the ram is in the logo and seen all over the place on campus. Also there’s a real ram. His name is Ramses, and his horns are blue. Deal with it.4. Duke sucks.

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